Theme:– A Conversation on Gun Violence, Bias and Mental Illness

Over the past year there’s been a repeat of violent events that have rocked the soul. From the urban blocks of Chicago to the quiet streets of Newtown many have had to cry and ask why. The same question was asked after the Navy Yard shooting. Recently, the President made an emotional plea for change.

The FBI provided updates on the shooter’s state of mind. It seems he was affected by paranoia and delusion. They say he acted alone but it’s still unclear whether his actions were triggered by other factors. Getting to the root of such senselessness is a hard nut to crack. But the President says it’s gotta happen.

He reminded the families that he’s been to five such memorial services in the recent past. He appealed to the collective pain to forge a transformation in our nation which has 10 times as many gun-related tragedies than other developed countries. Just thinking about such a stat can lead to an air of despair.

In a sense that could be the dilemma we face as a community. How does despair get flushed-out the air? The FBI and HVAC guys aren’t sure. Maybe some of the gun violence ties to a sense of feeling boxed-in. Some see no way out of urban distress while others wrestle with deep bouts of mental duress.

The response we take to stemming the tide should force us to zoom in on the sources and effects of despair. This is not necessarily a trivial thing. It’s hard to know what’s going on inside someone’s head. But, President Obama knows it might be made easier by a greater sense of shared purpose as a nation.

Footnote: One way of promoting ‘anti-violence’ is by being ‘pro-purpose’ so others won’t describe you as being ‘anti Second Amendment.’